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Skull Base Tumors

Recognized as a world leader in skull base surgery and training, the UC Neuroscience Institute offers patients with skull base tumors optimal care that minimizes the risk of neurological deficits. Our physicians were the first to propose selective use of cytoreductive surgery: the minimization of tumor removal, when possible, and maximization of quality of life.

During a seamless intake process, patients undergo a day of diagnostic tests, meet with an otolarynogolist and receive education and information about their treatment plan. The UC Neuroscience Institute’s skull base team uses contemporary neuroradiological methods such as MRI, MRA, interventional neuroradiology and high-resolution CT scanning to optimize the preoperative assessment of skull base lesions.

The UC Brain Tumor Center is pleased to connect new patients who are seeking information and reassurance to past patients who had similar diagnoses.

What new treatments are available?

Once inoperable, tumors of the skull base — the borderline region separating the base of the brain and the extracranial structure — are accessible today. However, tumor removal still proves challenging because of the complexity of skull base anatomy and the risk to vital neurological and vascular structures.

Skull base surgery has been enhanced by important advances in minimally invasive surgery. These procedures are performed through small openings in the nose, eyebrow or skull and cause minimal disruption to the brain. Surgeons reach through small corridors in the brain with a special set of miniature tools attached to the end of long holders. Patients who would have been hospitalized for a week just a decade ago are often able to go home the next day.

Minimally invasive surgical techniques allow neurosurgeons to remove even large tumors through openings of 1.5 to 3 centimeters.

Hope Stories

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Lynne pushed the...

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Semiretired and working part-time at a restaurant, Lynne knew something was amiss when she looked at the cash register and then struggled to make her hands produce the correct amount of change. Could she have suffered a stroke?
Lynne pushed the...